Plenty of competition for city council

It’s a bona fide race in every city ward and for the mayor’s office. Natascia Lypny provides a brief profile of nine of the candidates.

ROBERT BURNETT (WARD 1)

Robert Burnett has taught for a decade at the Regina Trades and Skills Centre, having instructed at Balfour Collegiate for 31 years before that. As a council candidate for Ward 1, he wants to focus on improving streets and spending money effectively. “I try to think of taxpayers’ money as my own, and I try to make sure that we get the best results from any money we spend,” he says.

BRIAN RIEDER (WARD 3)

Brian Rieder works at a local drugstore. He says he believes in the significance of Ward 3’s heritage elements and wants to work to save historic buildings in the city.

NISHCHAL BHAGI (WARD 7)

Nishchal Bhagi, who previously worked with the City of Regina, vows that if elected as councillor for Ward 7, he will consult residents on every major decision. He also commits to visit facilities to better understand what residents have access to currently and what they might need. Bhagi is running in Subdivision 6 for the Regina Public School Board, too.

CARMEN LIEN (WARD 2)

Carmen Lien is an engineering grad with experience at Harvard Developments, the Brandt Group of Companies and the City of Regina. He describes Ward 2 as a family-oriented neighbourhood, one that needs more investment in parks, schools, local business and infrastructure. He also wants to see attention paid to arts and culture, safety and fiscally responsible growth.

ANTHONY GOODMAN (WARD 5)

A University of Regina education student has his eye on representing Ward 5 on city council. Anthony Goodman says he has “long been an active voice in the community for issues of social justice and equality, the environment, and the employment worries” residents face.

AMEER GILL (WARD 7)

Ameer Gill believes being a city councillor should be a full-time job. If elected, he wants to target affordable housing, infrastructure, seniors’ centres, and activities for youth. “I focus more on indoor facilities because summer is too short and winter is too cold in Saskatchewan,” he adds.

SYED TAYYAB (WARD 2)

Professional driver Syed Tayyab says he has been involved with city hall discussions around the taxi industry in Regina and has been “disappointed with council’s inconsistent policies.” His job has also revealed to him the need for better road maintenance. Tayyab thinks councillors need to be more accountable of how tax dollars are spent, and their votes should be recorded.

TRACE YELLOWTAIL ( WA R D 6 )

In her Elections Regina biography, Trace Yellowtail highlights her journey from Wild Rose, Wisc., to Prince Albert and finally to Regina. She says she spends her time raising her three daughters.

JOHN GROSS (WARD 7)

John Gross says that over years of working in residential and commercial construction, he has a handle on residents’ concerns. These include rough roads, inadequate snow removal, messy properties and crime. The council candidate for Ward 7 vows to tackle policing, homelessness and proper allocation of taxes.